Fr. Larry Richards
A gifted and captivating speaker, preacher and retreat master, Fr. Larry Richards holds the answer to some of life's most profound questions. He speaks from experience as a pastor of an inner city parish, a high school chaplain, a counselor and evangelist. Fr. Larry Richards has directed hundreds of retreats, parish missions, and conferences for young and old alike. His inspirational talks and presentations, always authentic and enthusiastic, have changed the hearts, minds and lives of millions of listeners worldwide.

Father Larry Richards was born in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. After high school, he attended the college seminary at Gannon University and received his Bachelor of Science degree in Mental Health Counseling in 1983. Father Larry Richards continued his studies at the major seminary at St. Vincent in Latrobe, Pennsylvania, and received his Masters of Divinity degree in 1987. He will soon conclude his studies at the University of Notre Dame and be awarded a Master of Arts degree in Liturgy.

Ordained to the priesthood in 1989 for the Diocese of Erie, Fr. Larry Richards serves as pastor of St. Joseph Church/Bread of Life Community in Erie. He is also the Spiritual Director of the TEC (To Encounter Christ) Retreat Program for the Diocese of Erie.

Fr. Larry Richards is the founder and president of The Reason for our Hope Foundation, a non- profit organization dedicated to ‘spreading the Good News’ by educating others about Jesus Christ. For more info on the foundation, go to: www.TheReasonForOurHope.org.

Pete Cornelius Band
For many years the members of the Pete Cornelius Band led worship at an area youth group.  When God called certain people to different geographical locations the band felt they were still called to lead worship for whoever was looking for that type of experience.  As people experienced worship with the band, word of mouth made its way around and now the band is leading worship year round for youth rallies, retreats, festivals.  A dynamic group that appeals to all ages with intense praise and worship, the band creates a place to encounter God face-to-face, while incorporating modern worship songs as well as traditional hymns set in modern context.

Mark Kurowski
Mark T. Kurowski has served as a pastor, counselor and religious advisor for fourteen years.   Before that, he was a Youth Director for five years.  He is a Magna cum Laude graduate of Duke Divinity School, Durham, NC with a Master of Divinity degree. He is the youngest of nine children, raised by a single mother who worked them off of Welfare. He has been married for seventeen years and is the father of five children, ages 7-16.

Energetic and down to earth, Mark Kurowski has been very involved in his community. He has served as the President of his local Little League Baseball organization, President and founder of his local Block Club organization and worked with people to bring legitimate healthy businesses to urban America.

He served as pastor of a multicultural congregation in Northern Indiana. He has a passion for multicultural interrelationships. His interests in the spiritual draw from the deep spiritual advice of the Church Fathers of the early Christian Church. He has published, "First Step Toward Grace: John Wesley's Use of the Homilies of St. Macarius the Great," Methodist History, Jan.98.

The Kurowski family attends Saint John the Evangelist Church in Saint John, IN where Mark serves as Pastoral Associate.

Mary Bielski
Mary graduated from Marquette University with a double major in Theology and Psychology and is currently a pharmaceutical representative at Eli Lilly and Co. in Granger, Indiana. As a volunteer youth minister for the last four years, she has spoken at high school retreats and conferences in the Lafayette, Indianapolis, and South Bend dioceses including: J-fest, Destination Jesus, and the Indianapolis Youth Rally. Through humorous skits and energizing presentations, Mary seeks to draw youth to the beauty of our Catholic faith and a deeper love for Christ, the Eucharist, and the call to holiness.

Father Kevin Russeau, CSC
"RevKev" is the Assistant Vocations Director for the Congregation of Holy Cross and the Superior of the Old College undergraduate seminary at Notre Dame. He is a trustee of Holy Cross College and also assists with Campus Ministry at Notre Dame.

Father Glen Kohrman
The pastor of Saint Mary of the Lake in Culver, IN, he has a wonderful gift for working with young people which he uses all the time. He also owns a motorcycle which makes him way cool to bikers.

Michael Griffin
Director of International Experiences and Religious Studies Professor at Holy Cross College, Mike will be the MC for the weekend.

Mike didn't get all dressed up for this photo. He isn't too fussy about his looks. But he has been seen wearing a tie on occasion - and he's pretty handsome too. Mike plays hockey, so don't get him mad. He'll be carrying his hockey stick around all weekend to keep unruly retreatants in line.

Holy Cross College Student Staff
Young people will be on hand to share their faith and talents with our conference participants. There is a unique spirit of hospitality on our campus which will make you feel welcome from the moment you get out of your car! Students at Holy Cross are part of a three campus community (including Notre Dame and Saint Mary’s) but there is something unique and special about our little corner of the world. You’ve got to experience it to understand it!